wiper parts interchange

[birddog1148]

Will the wiper assembly from a 72 super fit in a 69 beetle?

[Marc]

When the wiper switch was moved to the steering column for `72, the operation of the park circuit was changed. The `70/`71 motor became obsolete and VW sold only the `72-up replacement part, with instructions included on the modifications needed to make it work with the dashboard-mounted switch. I don't recall the details, but it wasn't too horribly involved. When the day finally comes that I can't find a `70/`71 motor I'll think about it.
Speedy Jim's website has diagrams showing the two park circuit arrangements should you want to tackle converting the `72 motor's wiring.
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/schem/wiper2.gif
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/schem/wiper.gif

Physically, the larger `70-up pivots required bigger holes in the cowl and larger grommets. The U-shaped mounting motor mounting bracket found on pre`70 cars was replaced with a tab to support the new round motor. The simple, expedient way to fit the late setup into an earlier car is to simply cut/bend away the bracket and suspend the entire mechanism from the pivots - slice the bushings in two and use one half below and one half above the cowl sheetmetal. This gives totally adequate support, although it may transmit a little more noise...personally I don't find it objectionable, a small price to pay for the far more robust `70-up system.

If your `69 system is all good other than sloppy pivots, you can graft on the beefier `70-up pivots to use the late splined wiper arms by enlarging the holes in the ends of the wiper frame. Again, you'll need to either slice the grommets or enlarge the holes in the cowl.

[birddog1148]

Thanks Marc!